Welcome to Fanduel Value-Play Rankings!
Each week we ask 10 staff members to rank their top players at each Fanduel position. These rankings are based on what our DFS staff believe are the best players at each position with respect to total points they will receive compared to the dollars that they cost. These rankings can be used to help you round out your cash game and GPP lineups, or just provide a guideline for what the Footballguys.com staff believe are the best value-plays to target
If Staffers submitted Comments, they are included below the tables as well.
Each Staffer was asked to rank 8 QBs, 12 RBs, 12 WRs, 8 TEs, 5 PKs, and 5 Defenses. For the purposes of calculating an average rank, if a player was not ranked by a particular staffer, they received a weight that was 1 point higher than the players they ranked. For example. if only 2 staffers ranked a particular quarterback, the other 8 staffers were weighted as giving that quarterback a '9' for average calculation purposes.
QUARTERBACKS
Player | Matchup | Price | Garda | Haseley | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Ryan Tannehill | CLE@MIA | 7400 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2.1 |
Philip Rivers | SD@IND | 8000 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 3.1 |
Eli Manning | WAS@NYG | 7700 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 4.5 |
Matt Ryan | ATL@NO | 8500 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 5.7 |
Marcus Mariota | OAK@TEN | 7700 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 5.7 |
Drew Brees | ATL@NO | 9000 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 7 |
Andrew Luck | SD@IND | 8700 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 7 |
Cam Newton | MIN@CAR | 9200 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 7.3 |
Blake Bortles | BAL@JAX | 7900 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 7.8 |
Ryan Fitzpatrick | NYJ@KC | 7300 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 8.1 |
Alex Smith | NYJ@KC | 6800 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.2 |
Aaron Rodgers | DET@GB | 8900 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8.2 |
Ben Roethlisberger | PIT@PHI | 8400 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 8.2 |
Carson Palmer | ARI@BUF | 8200 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
Joe Flacco | BAL@JAX | 7900 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8.6 |
Dak Prescott | CHI@DAL | 7100 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
Russell Wilson | SF@SEA | 8700 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 8.7 |
Matthew Stafford | DET@GB | 8200 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8.8 |
Sam Bradford | MIN@CAR | 6600 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.9 |
This week's consensus #1 pick was Ryan Tannehill vs. the Cleveland Browns. The Dolphins may be 0-2, but Tannehill is coming off a big game against the Patriots last week where he threw for 387 yards and 2 scores. This week he's playing Cleveland, a team that's given up 580 passing yards and 4 TDS to Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz this weekend. The Dolphins are almost a 10 point favorite in this game, and Tannehill is set to have a big game. At just 7400, he's one of the best value QBs that are out there.
Philip Rivers and Eli Manning also received strong support as the best dollar / point QBs out there. Despite throwing for 368 yards last week, Eli Manning was a disappointment. He faced the Saints last week and the game was expected to be a shoot-out, but it turned into just a 'normal' game. Manning had a decent chunk of passing attempts, but never connected in the end zone. This week he faces Washington, a team that's giving up almost 300 passing yards per week. Rivers may have lost his best receiving target in Keenan Allen, but he's still an extremely effective fantasy QB. Last week, he had 'just' 220 yards passing, but added 4 passing TDS against zero ints. This week he faces the Colts who are terrible on defense and gave up over 600 passing yards through the first two weeks. Both Manning and Rivers are a little more expensive than Tannehill at 7700 and 8000 respectively, but they are both in a great position to reach value this week.
If you're looking to pay up this week for a QB, Drew Brees is facing the Falcons, a team that's given up almost 600 passing yards and 7 passing TDs through the first two weeks of the season. Brees should have a great game if you're in a contest that allows for Monday Night players. Cam Netwon is slighly less attractive at 9200 this week, and he faces a tough Minnesota defense. Newton is a stud though, and his ranking here as a value pick is as much about his skill as it is about the opportunities that he'll have if the Minnesota offense struggles without Adrian Peterson to run the ball.
Hindery:
Alex Smith- The Jets load the box to stuff the run and rush the passer while often leaving their corners in 1-on-1 matchups on the outside. The Jets have been very vulnerable to big pass plays in the first two weeks and Smith should be able to take advantage in Week 3.
Garda:
I feel like there are great values at quarterback this week - Ryan Tannehill faces a bad defense, Eli Manning can pick apart the Washington “defense,” Matt Ryan will torch New Orleans in a shootout, and would be above Philip Rivers if it wasn’t for the cost I like Rivers, incidentally, and he’s had two solid games coming into a nice matchup in the form of Indianapolis.
Knotts:
Marcus Mariota: The Raiders defense has been awful this season, allowing the most fantasy points of any other defense on the year. With the Titans actually favored in a game at home (rare occasion), Vegas agrees that the Titans should be capable of putting up some points here. Mariota has shown much improved decision making last week, and is definitely willing to use his legs when needed. He threw 3 touchdown passes in this matchup last season, and he had his way with the Raiders’ secondary during the third preseason game this year. While he is not a target for cash games, look for Mariota to provide some significant upside and value in tournaments.
RUNNING BACKS
Player | Matchup | Price | Garda | Haseley | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Melvin Gordon | SD@IND | 7100 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2.2 |
DeAngelo Williams | PIT@PHI | 8800 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 3.1 |
David Johnson | ARI@BUF | 8400 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 11 | 8 | 5.7 |
Matt Forte | NYJ@KC | 7500 | 2 | 13 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 6.3 |
Frank Gore | SD@IND | 5700 | 8 | 3 | 13 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 13 | 13 | 4 | 7.6 |
Charles Sims | LA@TB | 6300 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 7 | 13 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 8.2 |
Theo Riddick | DET@GB | 6400 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 8.9 |
Jerick McKinnon | MIN@CAR | 5300 | 12 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 9.2 |
C.J. Anderson | DEN@CIN | 8000 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 9.4 |
Mark Ingram | ATL@NO | 6900 | 7 | 7 | 13 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 9.5 |
Lamar Miller | HOU@NE | 7000 | 4 | 2 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 9.6 |
LeSean McCoy | ARI@BUF | 8400 | 13 | 4 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10.5 |
DeMarco Murray | OAK@TEN | 7700 | 11 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 6 | 11 | 8 | 12 | 10.8 |
Spencer Ware | NYJ@KC | 6300 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 3 | 13 | 9 | 11 |
Ezekiel Elliott | CHI@DAL | 8100 | 13 | 13 | 4 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11.7 |
Giovani Bernard | DEN@CIN | 5700 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11.9 |
Jay Ajayi | CLE@MIA | 5700 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 3 | 13 | 12 |
Ryan Mathews | PIT@PHI | 6600 | 13 | 13 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.3 |
Dwayne Washington | DET@GB | 4500 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 12.3 |
Rashad Jennings | WAS@NYG | 5800 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 12.6 |
Christine Michael | SF@SEA | 6900 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 13 | 12.6 |
Shane Vereen | WAS@NYG | 5200 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.6 |
LeGarrette Blount | HOU@NE | 6500 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.7 |
Eddie Lacy | DET@GB | 7300 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 12.7 |
Tevin Coleman | ATL@NO | 6400 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.9 |
Charcandrick West | NYJ@KC | 5200 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12.9 |
Todd Gurley | LA@TB | 8300 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12.9 |
Despite having over 100 yards rushing last week and losing his main competition for the ball, Melvin Gordon is still reasonably priced at just 7100. This week he travels to Indianapolis, a team that gave up over 110 rushing yards last week to the Broncos. This is expected to be a close game, but the Colts are terrible on defense, and our staffers clearly believe that Gordon is in a great position to reach value again.
DeAngelo Williams has been on fire for the first two weeks of the season, with over 300 combined yards from scrimmage and three total scores. This week he faces a stingy Eagle defense that is coming off a big Monday Night win against the Bears, and will be playing on a short week. Despite the tough match-up and high price tag, many of or rankers still have Williams as the #1 RB for value this week.
David Johnson struggled a bit last week with just 45 rushing yards against Tampa Bay, but he managed a reasonable day from a fantasy perspective when he posted almost 100 yards receiving. Johnson's only reached the end zone once this season, but that could change this week against the Bills. Buffalo gave up 100 rushing yards and 3 rushing TDs last week to Matt Forte, and Johnson should see some decent numbers this week as well. At 8400, you'll need him to reach the end zone but our staffers clearly feel he's still one of the guys to have in your lineups this weekend.
Garda:
This is the last week to ride with DeAngelo Williams and despite the price, he’s going to be used early and often. They don’t need him next week, so he can rest of he carries the rock another 32 times. I loved Matt Forte last week and I love him this week. The Jets aren’t doing the RBBC thing, at least not yet, and if Brandon Marshall is hurt, Forte only gets more valuable. He’s hard to contain and will give Kansas City fits. The price for him and Melvin Gordon are too good to pass up on given the use. Near the bottom of the RBs I have a lot of part timers - Riddick, Murray, and Jerick McKinnon. All can give you some PPR points, and I think McKinnon is going to have a solid day as a receiving back even against Carolina.
Knotts:
Melvin Gordon: The entire situation for Gordon is quite positive this week. The Colts defense has allowed more fantasy points to running backs than any other team this season, and there is no more Danny Woodhead to take away production from Gordon. With a high total and close spread, Gordon will be heavily involved. The price and upside should make Gordon the absolute highest owned running back of the week (i.e. cash game plug-in)
Hindery:
Mark Ingram- While Ingram is off to an undeniably slow start, the matchup against Atlanta sets up perfectly for him. He should be able to exploit both a poor run defense and the middle of the field in the passing game.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Player | Matchup | Price | Garda | Haseley | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Stefon Diggs | MIN@CAR | 6400 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
Jarvis Landry | CLE@MIA | 7000 | 4 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 6 |
Antonio Brown | PIT@PHI | 9500 | 5 | 13 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 10 | 2 | 13 | 3 | 7 | 6.7 |
Travis Benjamin | SD@IND | 6900 | 13 | 13 | 7 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 7.1 |
Jordan Matthews | PIT@PHI | 6900 | 10 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 9 | 13 | 9 | 3 | 11 | 12 | 8 |
Marvin Jones | DET@GB | 6900 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 5 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 13 | 2 | 8.2 |
Julio Jones | ATL@NO | 9300 | 3 | 13 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 9.3 |
DeAndre Hopkins | HOU@NE | 7900 | 2 | 8 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 9.4 |
Tajae Sharpe | OAK@TEN | 5800 | 13 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 13 | 13 | 4 | 9.4 |
Odell Beckham Jr | WAS@NYG | 8900 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 13 | 10.1 |
Phillip Dorsett | SD@IND | 6000 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 13 | 10.2 |
Larry Fitzgerald | ARI@BUF | 7600 | 7 | 4 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 7 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 6 | 10.2 |
Tyrell Williams | SD@IND | 6100 | 13 | 1 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 7 | 13 | 10 | 10.9 |
Kenny Britt | LA@TB | 5400 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 9 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 13 | 11.2 |
Willie Snead | ATL@NO | 7500 | 9 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11.4 |
Kelvin Benjamin | MIN@CAR | 7800 | 11 | 13 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 11.5 |
Brandin Cooks | ATL@NO | 8100 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11.5 |
Eric Decker | NYJ@KC | 7300 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 9 | 11.6 |
Allen Robinson | BAL@JAX | 7900 | 13 | 13 | 4 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11.9 |
Amari Cooper | OAK@TEN | 7700 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 9 | 13 | 12 |
Jordy Nelson | DET@GB | 8300 | 13 | 13 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.2 |
DeVante Parker | CLE@MIA | 6200 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 12.2 |
Mike Wallace | BAL@JAX | 6500 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 5 | 13 | 12.2 |
Will Fuller | HOU@NE | 6500 | 13 | 7 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.4 |
T.Y. Hilton | SD@IND | 7400 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 12.5 |
Jeremy Maclin | NYJ@KC | 7000 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.6 |
Michael Thomas | ATL@NO | 5200 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12.6 |
Sterling Shepard | WAS@NYG | 6500 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 12.7 |
Michael Crabtree | OAK@TEN | 6400 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.8 |
Quincy Enunwa | NYJ@KC | 6000 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 12.8 |
Emmanuel Sanders | DEN@CIN | 6500 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.8 |
Alshon Jeffery | CHI@DAL | 7900 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.8 |
Tyler Lockett | SF@SEA | 6100 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12.9 |
The Vikings are dropping like flies on the offensive side of the ball, but replacement QB Sam Bradford clearly has made Stefon Diggs a big DFS player again this season. Diggs exploded last week with nine receptions for over 180 yards receiving and a TD against the Packers, and with the loss of Adrian Peterson, Diggs becomes the only real star power on offense that the Vikings have left. This week he faces a tough Carolina defense, but he will still see plenty of action as the Vikings are a seven point underdog this week. Sam Bradford's going to need to throw a ton to stay close in this game, and that means plenty of targets for Diggs who is still only 6400. It won't take a monster game for him to reach value, and he's our top pick at WR this week.
Since Tannehill was our top ranked QB this week, you would expect to see his best WR Jarvis Landry near the top of the WR ranks as well. Landry's coming off a bit 10 catch, 135 yard performance against the Patriots last week and he'll be a big part of the Miami passing offense this week against a soft Cleveland defense as the Dolphins look for their first win of the season. At 7000, he's more reasonably priced than Antonio Brown who tops the salary chart at 9500 despite his disappointing game against the Bengals last week. Brown faces a tough match-up this week against the Eagles, but he's averaging 11 targets a week so far this season, and he is almost too talented not to consider in any fantasy perspective.
If you're looking to save a few bucks on a WR this week, Tajae Sharpe at 5800 and Phillip Dorsett at 6000 look like your best bets. Sharpe struggled last week, but he's averaging nine targets a week and he's facing a soft Oakland passing defense this week. Dorsett has only seen 11 total targets this season, but that total expects to increase this week with Donte Moncrief out for the next 4-6 weeks. Dorsett is the next man up against the Chargers, a team that's ranked 27th in passing yards allowed. Sharp and Dorsett don't need monster games to reach value this week, and their situations both indicate that they will have plenty of opportunities.
Knotts:
Jarvis Landry: Landry is leading the NFL in total receptions through 2 weeks with 17 total from an NFL-2nd best 23 targets. While Landry has yet to find the end zone, nobody can argue that the volume isn’t there. The addition of Parker back into the fold may cut into those numbers slightly, but Landry still has a very high ceiling and floor with the atrocious Dolphins rushing game sure to take nothing away from him.
Hindery:
Jordan Matthews- The Steelers defense funnels the opposing offense towards the passing game, which means Wentz is going to have to throw even more than he has the first two weeks. Matthews has been the clear top target and should again see a very heavy workload against an average at best Steelers pass defense.
Garda:
Maybe I’m blinded by the purple but Stefon Diggs isn’t breaking out - he’s arrived and set up shop. He’s going to get heavy use by Sam Bradford and OC Norv Turner who now can’t just force the ball to Adrian Peterson. You’ll note that Antonio Brown is at five - I still think he does well, but from a value standpoint, his 9500 is too much and I think he may lead the pack but not by so much that the price is worth it. Julio Jones at least is in an obvious shootout. Jarvis Landry has a great price, is producing and faces a garbage offense. Only downside could be an early lead and rest. Finally, Odell Beckham is low because I have doubts he’s matured enough to avoid another meltdown against Josh Norman, who will be shadowing him almost everywhere. He might produce but I don’t think he’ll avoid imploding. There are safer options.
TIGHT ENDS
Player | Matchup | Price | Garda | Haseley | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Dennis Pitta | BAL@JAX | 5000 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2.7 |
Jesse James | PIT@PHI | 4500 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 5.2 |
Greg Olsen | MIN@CAR | 7800 | 1 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 5.5 |
Trey Burton | PIT@PHI | 4500 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 5.9 |
Jordan Reed | WAS@NYG | 7500 | 3 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 6.3 |
Kyle Rudolph | MIN@CAR | 5100 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 6.3 |
Travis Kelce | NYJ@KC | 6000 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6.7 |
Julius Thomas | BAL@JAX | 6100 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 6.8 |
Eric Ebron | DET@GB | 5600 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 6.9 |
Antonio Gates | SD@IND | 6000 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 7.1 |
Jacob Tamme | ATL@NO | 5500 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 7.2 |
Delanie Walker | OAK@TEN | 6900 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 7.5 |
Jason Witten | CHI@DAL | 6000 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
Jimmy Graham | SF@SEA | 5200 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 |
Jared Cook | DET@GB | 5000 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 8.6 |
Dwayne Allen | SD@IND | 6100 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8.8 |
Dennis Pitta exploded last week with nine catches for 102 receivng yards. Our staffers officially on the train that Jeff Pasquino has been driving this season, and have ranked Pitta as their top value TE this week against the Jaguars. Jacksonville gave up four passing TDS last week to the Chargers, and Pitta should have an excellent chance to reach the end zone for the first time this season. At 5000, he has an excellent chance to reach value.
Jesse James provides great cap relief at just 4500, but he faces a tough Philadelphia defense that is coming off a big Monday night win. James had just three receptions last week, but the Steelers love to look for their TE in the red zone, and if James can reach the end zone again like he did last week, he's going to provide big DFS returns for a small investment.
On the other side of the ball, Trey Burton looks like a great fill in for the injured Zach Ertz at just 4500. Burton had 5 receptions last week and should see plenty of action again this week against the Steelers. He isn't likely to blow up the world, but at 4500, you only need a couple decent catches for him to make value.
Stud Greg Olsen is significantly higher priced at 7800, and is facing a much tougher Minnesota defense this week, but he's the primary focus of the Carolina passing attack and he's coming off a 122 yard, 1 TD performance last week against the 49ers. Olsen has a high floor, and he represents a 'safe' pick at TE, despite his large price tag.
Garda:
For tight end if it isn’t Olsen, I’m not sold. Travis Kelce is intriguing as well, and I like his price and the matchup against a Jets D which struggles vs tight ends. I think this is the last week for Tamme in what should be a shootout, before he meets real defenses.
Hindery:
Steelers D- Carson Wentz has looked good against two of the worst defenses in the league. Expect his first struggles against an underrated Steelers unit that will stuff the run and force the rookie to carry the game on his shoulders. Multiple turnovers are a good bet, especially if the Steelers can jump out to an early lead.
KICKERS
Player | Matchup | Price | Garda | Haseley | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Dan Bailey | CHI@DAL | 4700 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3.7 |
Josh Lambo | SD@IND | 4500 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3.8 |
Wil Lutz | ATL@NO | 4500 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Chris Boswell | PIT@PHI | 4600 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 4.2 |
Mason Crosby | DET@GB | 4700 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 4.6 |
Adam Vinatieri | SD@IND | 4700 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4.7 |
Graham Gano | MIN@CAR | 4900 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Matt Bryant | ATL@NO | 4700 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Josh Brown | WAS@NYG | 4700 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 5.4 |
Steve Hauschka | SF@SEA | 5100 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 5.5 |
Chandler Catanzaro | ARI@BUF | 4900 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Mike Nugent | DEN@CIN | 4600 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Ryan Succop | OAK@TEN | 4500 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Roberto Aguayo | LA@TB | 4500 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Nick Folk | HOU@NE | 4600 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Justin Tucker | BAL@JAX | 4800 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.9 |
Value kickers usually take two factors - cheap price with high upside. This week we have a decent selection of options to choose from. Dan Bailey is our top choice, as the Cowboys are at home against a Chicago team that's struggling on defense, and traveling after a Monday night blow-out to the Eagles. Bailey's 4700 isn't your cheapest option, but he represents the best dollar per point value that we see on the board this week.
Josh Lambo and Wil Lutz are both strong considerations as well. At just 4500, they are the cheapest PK options that you can have this week. Lambo and the Chargers face a soft Indianapolis defense that has given up a league-worst 73 points this season. Lutz plays on Monday night at home and the Saints are expected to put up 25 points against the Falcons. Both of these guys are great options if you are looking to save as much money as possible at PK.
TEAM DEFENSES
Player | Matchup | Price | Garda | Haseley | Brimacombe | Hindery | Knotts | Grant | Alexander | Howe | Mamula | Feery | Avg |
Miami | CLE@MIA | 4600 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
Seattle | SF@SEA | 5400 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3.4 |
Tampa Bay | LA@TB | 4500 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 3.9 |
Cincinnati | DEN@CIN | 4500 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 5 |
Denver | DEN@CIN | 4800 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
Arizona | ARI@BUF | 5100 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
NY Giants | WAS@NYG | 4500 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Dallas | CHI@DAL | 4600 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Pittsburgh | PIT@PHI | 4500 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Carolina | MIN@CAR | 5000 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5.6 |
Green Bay | DET@GB | 4400 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
New England | HOU@NE | 4300 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Jacksonville | BAL@JAX | 4100 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Kansas City | NYJ@KC | 4500 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
The Dolphins are expected to win big against the Browns this week, and the Cleveland offense is struggling. With their third starting QB in as many games, rookie Cody Kessler will be under center against the Dolphins. At 4600, they are a great value-priced option at Defense and our top value pick
On the other end, Seattle is our #2 defense, but they are much more expensive at 5400. If you're going to pay up for a defense though, Seattle is probably the one. They have allowed just 19 total points this season, and they are at home against a road-weary San Francisco team that that Seahawks are looking to crush.
Tampa Bay faces a struggling Ram offense that has scored a league-low 9 total points in the first two weeks. At 4500, the Bucs represent a team that not only saves you cap space, but also has an excellent opportunity to reach 3x or 4x value against a weak opponent.
Good luck this weekend!